In Q3 2013, MSHA published a draft of the Criteria for the Certification of Coal Mine Rescue Teams in the federal register allowing for public comments which were subsequently received and considered. Mine operators must approve rescue team qualifications annually under 30 CFR 49.50 criteria, which includes certification of appropriate training.
MSHA officials, to this end, have updated the prescribed instruction guides for improved advanced mine rescue training. The Revised Instruction Guide IG7 “Advanced Mine Rescue Training – Coal Mines” continues to include best practices, handouts, visuals and text classroom materials. It includes activities and additional exercises to provide more hands-on skills to improve team performance. The revised guides are posted on the Agency’s website at http://www.msha.gov/MineRescue/Training/TeamTraining.asp
